Chapter 61: Urging Marriage
Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Urging Marriage
Raymond’s question immediately drew the attention of everyone in the dining hall.
The Broken Wave Gang had suffered a great loss of strength; they were indeed at their weakest.
If Duane and the Holy Hand Association were to join forces, there would be a high chance of annihilating them in one fell swoop.
But Duane just shook his head.
"You’re only thinking from our perspective. If you were to stand in the Holy Hand Association’s shoes right now, you would surely have many concerns."
"Daniels would wonder, ’After we get rid of the Broken Wave Gang, will he eliminate me too?’ After all, at that point, his would be the only other faction left on Black Forest Island."
"Furthermore, even if we did ally with the Holy Hand Association, we would have to commit all our forces to an attack. But with Kaelon injured, we are already at a disadvantage against them. Once the fighting starts, if something were to happen to you, Raymond, it’s entirely possible the Holy Hand Association would turn on us mid-battle..."
"No, he might even be able to eliminate both me and the Broken Wave Gang at the same time, allowing the Holy Hand Association to become the sole power on Black Forest Island."
Raymond’s mind raced. After this explanation, he fully realized his own lack of foresight, and his admiration for Duane grew even more.
"I oversimplified things!" He stood up and downed a mug of beer.
Kaelon couldn’t help but praise him. "My Lord, your mind is truly sharp!"
In less than a month, the Baron before them had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Ralph, who was waiting on them, had eyes filled with hopeful light.
’With such a mature and steady Baron, the rise of the Brian Clan is assured!’
Duane smiled. "Actually, it’s already quite impressive that Raymond came up with this idea."
He was a Captain in the Third Legion, capable of leading his squad to execute orders, but he had little involvement in major decision-making.
Although Raymond’s thinking on this matter was incomplete, at least he had his own ideas. As long as he keeps thinking things through, he is bound to make significant progress.
Perhaps in the future, Raymond wouldn’t just be leading a few squads, but an entire Legion, or even a larger force.
As for Kaelon, he was loyal, brave, and willing to perish with the enemy for the sake of his Lord’s interests—all excellent qualities.
However, he wasn’t as quick-witted as Raymond. He was suited for defending the city; if he were to lead troops on a campaign, he would need someone to devise strategies for him.
Duane reined in his wandering thoughts and said:
"The existence of the Holy Hand Association and the Broken Wave Gang helps us fend off the Demon Beast threat from the Hot Spring Mountain Range to the northeast, as well as from Thorn Valley to the east and southeast. This saves us a great deal of defensive effort."
He looked at Raymond. "Now that we have some breathing room, the first thing we must do is take complete control of all districts in Broken Wave City and Lingang Village."
"On the administrative side, I will leave Julian and the others in charge. As for you two, in addition to daily training and patrols, you will also need to form a Militia Team."
’A Militia Team?’
Kaelon and Raymond were a bit surprised. The former asked, "Baron, what’s the purpose of a Militia Team?"
"To manage public order in the territory, of course."
Duane said, "Our Guards need to train, and I need more Warriors."
"Therefore, I plan to find four or five able-bodied men from each district to serve as Militia, give them a certain stipend and some training guidance, and have them spend time patrolling every day."
"At the same time, to prevent these militiamen from abusing their newfound privileges, we will have units monitor the behavior of the militia in each district every few days, at irregular intervals."
"In short, we need to free up more time for our own people to train."
No matter the time or place, strength is key.
If they hadn’t won today, Duane certainly wouldn’t be sitting here eating meat and drinking wine.
"Raymond, you and Kaelon will discuss the detailed plan. As for the selection and stipends for the militia, Ralph, you coordinate with Julian."
"Yes, my Lord."
Ralph was in charge not only of recruiting and evaluating servants, but also of the finances.
All matters involving income and expenditures had to be recorded and reviewed by him.
Of course, in some noble households, more than one person managed the finances; often, the lord’s wife would also have a say.
But Duane was short on staff and, more importantly, had no wife, so he could only leave it all to Ralph.
"My Lord, there is something I’ve been meaning to say," Ralph said suddenly.
"Oh?"
Duane looked over, puzzled. "What is it? Feel free to speak."
Ralph paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
"According to the Kingdom’s customs, after a child of the Nobility comes of age at sixteen, marriage alliances are arranged. Many families even make the arrangements in advance, announcing them once the child is of age."
The old butler said, "Lord Carter told me that after you came of age, he would communicate with some of the other nobles to see if a betrothal could be arranged with one of their daughters. Unfortunately, Lord Carter met an untimely end, and the matter was put on hold."
Hearing this, Duane couldn’t help but rub his nose, then smiled. "My dear old butler, you’re not telling me to find a woman and get married, are you?"
Ralph’s expression was solemn. "That is precisely my thought, my Lord!"
"You are the only one left in the Brian Clan. For the continuation of the family, you do indeed need to arrange a marriage in advance. You don’t even have to wait until the marrying age of twenty to wed and produce an heir."
Duane slapped his forehead. "But... I’m only sixteen."
"Sixteen is old enough."
Ralph was insistent. "Many men become fathers at sixteen."
At this, Kaelon also voiced his strong agreement.
"The butler is right. A Pioneer Lord such as yourself will inevitably face danger. If... and I’m just saying if, some accident were to happen, the Brian Clan would at least have an heir."
Duane glanced at Kaelon. ’This guy sure has a way with words.’
Even Raymond nodded in agreement. "Having children sooner would indeed bring more stability to the territory."
Many of them had followed Duane to make a life for themselves, hoping to live well by relying on their Lord.
If the Lord were to die without an heir, it would be tantamount to extinguishing their hopes for the future.
Raymond’s point about increasing stability wasn’t without reason.
It’s just...
Duane sighed.
’How is it that even after coming to an Otherworld and becoming a Lord, I’m still getting pressured to get married?’
"Alright, alright, you all have a point!"
Duane said helplessly, "But here on this isolated Black Forest Island, who do you expect me to marry and have children with? You’re not suggesting that beautiful Level 2 Mage, Kalina, are you?"
"Absolutely not! I’ve seen that woman as well. She has too much of an alluring aura; she is not suitable to be the wife of a nobleman."
Ralph was the first to object, but then his tone shifted.
"Of course, if you don’t mind, taking her as a lover and having an illegitimate child as a backup wouldn’t be out of the question."
Duane gave the old butler a strange look. He hadn’t expected the man to think that way.
’Perhaps, in this world, thinking like Ralph is perfectly normal?’
"Stop joking, Ralph. The territory isn’t even properly established, and you’re already thinking about me taking a lover. That’s not something an ambitious Lord should be considering."
Ralph lowered his head. "Alright, that is true."
"Let’s not discuss this matter any further for now."
Duane decisively put an end to the marriage discussion.
"But I can promise you this: when I meet the right person, or when the opportunity arises, I will take care of this problem."